My mother Ms Joan Southgate turns 95 in March. In lieu of a birthday gift we are asking for your help to raise the funds to have necessary repairs done on her home to keep her safe, secure and able to live independently. The total cost is $9855 if we have donors give an average of $95 a dollar for each year since her birth we can get there.

Joan Southgate lives in Cleveland, Ohio, where she is a retired social worker, teacher, organizer, and activist. In 2002, at age 73, she walked more than 519 miles from Ripley Ohio to St. Catherines Canada to honor the anonymous heroes of the Underground Railroad (UGRR). Since then, the longtime activist has helped found Restore Cleveland Hope. With their joint tenacity, the group was able to save and restore the Cozad Bates home, one of the few remaining legacies of the Underground Railroad.

Just like the Cozad Bates house, Joan’s house is desperately in need of saving. Water damage has caused rotting wood, which needs to be replaced in order for her family to assist with further restoration, like painting and replacing gutters. Joan has lived in her house since 1964. When asked about her fondest memories, she reminisced about having toddlers in the house as she and her late husband, Robert, peeled wallpaper and painted walls.

My mother has committed her life to service. She has done so much for her Beloved Community. Now is the community’s opportunity to do something for her. When I asked my mother about the idea of a fundraiser, she was skeptical, but she warmed up to it eventually. Cozad Bates home was restored through commitment and activism. Our plan is to accomplish the same for Joan. Please join us in uplifting this member of our Beloved Community.